One for the boys

Designer duo Charles and Ron have just launched their new and sporty men's collection - offering a local designer touch to the boys too.

In the past, Charles and Ron had included some men's items in the odd show, and these were always received quite well by the boys, with requests for more, Ron says as regards the reason behind deciding to launch a full-blown collection.

Carina Camilleri, owner of Muse boutique in Naxxar, where the launch was held, has also had requests from her clientele, Ron continues. So they decided to launch a small men's collection which, in the process, grew to a larger range.

Based on white, red, black, blue and unwashed denim in two tones, it is inspired by sportswear, with some "fun, patriotic prints". The fabrics include cotton, cotton jersey and stretch denim.

Charles and Ron have been designing women's clothes since 1992, creating two yearly collections since 1999. The men's collection is not a one-off and they are hoping to have one once a year. So the boys have to wait until next summer...

"It would be great to also have two men's collections a year, but time and money are involved in producing collections. So for now, it is going to be an annual summer collection," Ron says.

As regards the response of the Maltese lads, so far it has been very positive, according to him. "We made the collection very wearable, stylish, yet casual, because nowadays, this is what most men look for, especially in summer."

Charles and Ron, whose Beatrix label eventually evolved to CR, are always seeking new pastures and fresh adventures. "It keeps life exciting and interesting," Ron claims. They ventured into bags last October, during the presentation of their spring/summer 2008 collection, and are currently working on the autumn/winter 2008-2009 collection, while the designs for the handbags to go with it are already in production.

The men's collection launch was supported by Heineken and Southern Comfort, and CR for boys and men can be viewed at Muse.